A Case of Moraxella Keratitis

Lee, Sang Yong; Chang, Moo Hwan

Abstract

PURPOSE: Moraxella keratitis is uncommon, but it does appear frequently in elderly patients with alcohol dependence, malnutrition, and with other predisposing systemic and/or ocular diseases. Despite appropriate treatment, there is a high risk of corneal stromal infiltration, and corneal perforation. The authors hereby present a case of Moraxella keratitis where good clinical results were obtained by appropriate antibiotics treatment and improvement of the patient s general condition. METHOD: A 77-year-old female patient was admitted with severe ocular pain and decreased visual acuity. After taking a thorough history, the authors conducted slit-lamp examination, corneal smear and culture, and various blood tests.
RESULTS
The ulcer was located at the center of each cornea and measured 3.8 X 2.6 mm on the right, and 6.2 X 3.5 mm on the left cornea. Both eyes were aphakic and the pupils were updrawn. Blood tests showed hyperglycemia and evidences of malnutrition. Corneal smear and culture tests showed Gram negative Moraxella. The patient was given Ofloxacin and Tobramycin eye drops and ointments. Twenty-five days after treatment, systemic condition improved while the epithelial defects of left eye were completely restored. The defects of right eye were restored within 2 months of treatment and the corneal opacity remained. The visual acuity of both eyes improved from hand movement to 0.06